What to do in Galapagar

Activities, attractions and tours

Galapagar Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Galapagar has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Galapagar, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Galapagar with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Galapagar

Galapagar is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Galapagar, and make it a breeze to explore Galapagar and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Galapagar to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Galapagar, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Galapagar.

Galapagar attractions

Galapagar has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Galapagar to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Galapagar.

Looking for things to do in Galapagar can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Galapagar or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Galapagar attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

£58
per adult
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid
Stone Carving and Woodblock Printing in Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

£34
per adult
Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid
Stellar Experience in Sierra de Guadarrama to Discover Heaven

See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama

£34
per adult
See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park

£177
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park
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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.

2. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, or “Sun Gate,” is Madrid’s beating heart. It was once at the eastern extremity of the city and the location of a medieval gate decorated with the rising sun, from which it gets its name. Today it’s the city’s main public square, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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A public square with a fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings.

3. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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A large, empty stadium with blue seats and a green field.

4. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s best-known public places. Its cobbled courtyard is surrounded by stylish restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafés. It was a chaotic market back in the 16th century until King Felipe II commissioned a proper public square. The plaza was completed in 1619 under the supervision of architect Juan Gómez de Mora, but would burn down three times before the present version was constructed in 1790.
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A statue of a man on horseback in front of a red building with white windows and balconies.

5. El Retiro Park

El Retiro (El Parque de Retiro) is one of Madrid’s favorite parks and occupies nearly 350 acres (140 hectares) of land in the city center. It was once a royal retreat and the site of a large palace, but was opened to the public in the 1860s. There are statues and monuments all throughout the park, as well as two ponds, art galleries and fountains. It’s a popular retreat for Sunday afternoon picnics and you’ll notice street performers plying their trade in the busiest areas.
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A park with topiary trees, a paved walkway, and people walking.

6. Royal Palace of Madrid

The Spanish Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is one of the biggest palaces in Western Europe. The palace is known for its extravagant interior and the staggering collection of furniture, artwork, weapons, armor and accessories found throughout its 3,400 rooms. Construction of the building you see today started in 1738 after the previous royal residence burned down on the same site in 1734. Nowadays the Spanish royal family does not live in the palace.
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A grand palace with a symmetrical garden and a central fountain.

Recommended things to do in Galapagar

Number of things to do
31
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Lorenzo Escorial Entry Ticket: £19
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Galapagar

Stay near popular Galapagar attractions

Puente de la Alcanzorla

After visiting Puente de la Alcanzorla, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Galapagar. Amble around the area's forests or visit its casinos.
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Where to stay in Galapagar

Find the best Galapagar areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Galapagar
Learn more about Galapagar

El Pocillo

While there might not be top attractions in El Pocillo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Centro Comercial Planetocio and Centro Comercial Los Valles.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Galapagar

A historic building with multiple towers and a reflection in the water.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A historic building with ornate architecture and a dome, surrounded by modern buildings and a busy street with light trails from moving vehicles.

Madrid

A snow-covered urban area with residential buildings, roads, and distant mountains.

Las Rozas de Madrid

A silhouette of a leafless tree against a sunset sky with a mountain in the background.

Alpedrete

A pink house with a black roof, surrounded by greenery and a sunset in the background.

Torrelodones

A mountainous landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.

Collado Villalba

A mountain range with a clear sky and scattered clouds.
Photo by Riozujar (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Moralzarzal

A circular fountain with multiple water jets in a park.

Guadarrama

Frequently asked questions

Is Galapagar worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Galapagar. Make sure to experience the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Galapagar?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Church of San Bernabe, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Galapagar.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galapagar?
Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Galapagar and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Galapagar?
Book a holiday in Galapagar for three days and you'll comfortably be able to check out its most popular sights and experience the local way of life. For the chance to see attractions in nearby areas and get off the tourist trail, consider hanging around for up to 10 days.
Is Galapagar a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Galapagar. Several attractions, like Puente de la Alcanzorla, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around one of Galapagar's neighbourhoods, La Depuradora is 5 kms (3 miles) away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Galapagar with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Galapagar with kids.

What to do in Galapagar for adults?
La Silla de Felipe II is one of the top things to do in Galapagar. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Galapagar?
In Galapagar, Puente de la Alcanzorla is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Galapagar.